We were lucky to catch up with Javonna Waldon recently and have shared our conversation below.
Javonna, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
So I came up with the name “Nailed By J” well for starters my name starts with a J. So the “Nailed by” came from me always saying “ NAILED IT” after doing a clients nails, especially when they would ask me for something I’ve never done or a inspo set that came out looking exactly like the picture of not better, or even just something I created. I’d be like oh yeah! Cause who nailed it? Oh okay ! Nailed by WHO? Lol I always hype myself up
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
So, what got me into doing nails was always following my sister to the salon when I was a little girl, she’d always have them long with all type designs and I’d be so intrigued. My dad wouldn’t let me get acrylics until she convinced him one day and literally after getting them done I went home and took the polish off and tried to do it myself… this was like 3rd grade me. So I provide acrylic nail care, so my system is full set, fill-in, take off…I do that because I also want to check on their nail beds especially if they come regularly , check on the growth shape…making sure I give them advice on how to handle their nails regularly.
I’m most proud of staying grounded and believing in myself , I’ve started and stopped so many times because I’d get discouraged but once I realized I only wanted to work for me I stayed focused and did just that.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
So my most effective strategy has been social media and word of mouth, I’ve been doing nails for a long time but it was more of a “if you know, you know” like I still have clients till this day that I’ve been doing well over 10 years that supported the hustle from when I first started. Me constantly posting my work, trying a new idea, polish, 3D, sculpting …. Actually trying and getting it right it’s what attracted people…I always like when someone sends something and ask if I can do it, I would say yes and immediately start practicing up until the day before their appointment making sure I got it just right.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
So a lesson I had to unlearn was thinking family and friends would be my biggest supporter…and sadly it’s not. A stranger will support you faster than family…now don’t get me wrong I do have family and friend support but not like I thought it’d be …
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nailedbyj.glossgenius.com/
- Instagram: javonna_thenailtech
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/VonnaNailedIt
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/javonna-waldon-580495280
Image Credits
Photo credits: Iconic Queens Photography